City Comparison

Frederick vs Williamsburg: Which is right for your family?

Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Frederick is pricier ($420K median vs $370K), a difference of about $50K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 28 in Williamsburg. Williamsburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.5M.

Frederick

MD

Williamsburg

VA

Median Price

$420K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

20 days

28 days

Price Range

$200K–$1M

$150K–$1.5M

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge

Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony

Schools

Williamsburg leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 79% in Frederick. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Williamsburg, families look to Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Frederick schools | See Williamsburg schools

Frederick

MD

Williamsburg

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

79%

84%

Top Schools

Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School

Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School

Pass Rate

79%
84%

Commute

Williamsburg is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).

Frederick

MD

Williamsburg

VA

Drive to Downtown

~60 min

~25 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340

I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199

Commuter Rail

MARC (Brunswick Line)

None

Walkability

Frederick is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Williamsburg. Transit scores: Frederick (12) vs Williamsburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Frederick and Colonial Williamsburg score much higher than suburban areas.

Frederick

MD

Williamsburg

VA

Walk Score

42Car-Dependent
35Car-Dependent

Transit Score

12

10

Bike Score

45

42

Safety

Williamsburg is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near Virginia average. Frederick is rated "Average" (8% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.

Frederick

MD

Williamsburg

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Average

Violent Crime

1.5/1K

1.2/1K

Property Crime

16.8/1K

15.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

8% above Virginia average

Near Virginia average

MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Frederick or Williamsburg more affordable?

Williamsburg is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, compared to $420K in Frederick. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.

Which has better schools, Frederick or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 79% in Frederick. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Williamsburg, standout schools include Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Frederick or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.

Is Frederick or Williamsburg better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.

Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated March 2026.